“Justice is a certain rectitude of mind whereby a man does what he ought to do in the circumstances confronting him.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
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Quote
“Justice is a certain rectitude of mind whereby a man does what he ought to do in the circumstances confronting him.”
Explanation
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas defines justice as a form of rectitude of mind, emphasizing that it is an internal quality that guides a person to do what is right in a given situation. Justice, for Aquinas, is not just about adherence to rules or laws; it involves the use of reason and moral integrity to determine the right course of action according to the circumstances. It implies the proper judgment of what is due to others and acting accordingly, thereby maintaining harmony and fairness in interpersonal relations and society at large.
Aquinas drew heavily from Aristotelian ethics in his understanding of justice, which he integrated into his broader Christian moral framework. Justice was one of the cardinal virtues in Aquinas’s system, essential for a well-ordered life and society. He believed that justice was not only about external actions but also a matter of the inner disposition that enables a person to consistently make fair decisions. For Aquinas, justice meant giving others their due—whether that involved honoring agreements, treating others with respect, or ensuring equitable treatment within society.
In the modern context, Aquinas’s definition of justice speaks to the importance of moral clarity and responsibility in navigating complex situations. Today, justice involves not only legal systems and regulations but also personal actions and ethical decision-making. For example, in situations where laws may be ambiguous or insufficient, people often rely on their internal sense of fairness to decide what is right. Aquinas’s insight reminds us that true justice comes from a balance of external standards and moral judgment, requiring individuals to act with a commitment to what is fair and good, regardless of the specific challenges they face.
